Doomben Race 6 Tip #10 Plitvice $7.50
After four runs in this campaign, this gelding from the Rob Heathcote yard is ready to peak.
He ran home well last start, finishing fourth behind Top Prospect. He made his run from the rear on that occasion and was very wide in the straight, however knuckled down to his work late.
The son of Mossman won't have any concerns if the track remains rain affected, with a Heavy record of 2:1-1-0.
From gate 1, familiar rider Ben Thompson should settle midfield and steer an easier passage through the field this time.
Carrying the light weight of 54kg, if he's within striking range on straightening watch him finish strong over the top of them.
Flemington Race 2 Tip #1 Personal $3.20
This Fastnet Rock filly has been building to a win this prep and was impressive stepping up to 1600m last start.
She’s crying out for 2000m and will relish the wide-open Flemington track.
From barrier 8 expect Damien Oliver to produce a patient ride, before peeling wide and flying over the top.
Flemington Race 3 Tip #6 Banquo $2.10
This Danny O'Brien trained galloper races well down the Flemington straight and looks well suited dropping back to Group 2 company.
Two starts ago, he was only just beaten by Zoutori at this track and distance.
He was competitive in the Group 1 Newmarket at this set-up in the Autumn, running 4th behind Bivouac.
He’ll be on-the-pace in a race which looks devoid of speed and it will take a smart one to beat him.
Flemington Race 3 Tip #9 Octane $3.00
This bloke is a star who has huge potential and looks the deserving favourite in the Group 2 Linlithgow Stakes.
He was originally based in Victoria, however never cracked it there. Since going to the master trainer Philip Stokes, he has been revolutionised into a short course specialist with a scintillating turn of speed.
He made it 5 victories in 6 races in South Australia, before winning well over the 1000m at Flemington.
He's since been given a freshen before being set for a Melbourne Spring Carnival campaign.
On resumption he was unlucky over the 1100m at Caulfield, where he was held up for most of the way down the straight.
Last start, he tracked Diamond Effort into the race and finished close up alongside Dirty Work.
Hey Doc finished behind them and he has since gone onto win a Manikato Stakes, with Dirty Work finishing third in that race.
He has a tendency to hang around bends and his back-marker racing pattern always makes it hard for him in circle racing. That indicates he's far better suited down the Flemington straight.
The Nose Roll gets reapplied, which should help restrain his high head carry and we get the magic hands of Jamie Kah on board.
Expect him to be almighty hard to hold out!
Ascot Race 4 Tip #4 Heaven's Gift $3.80
Heaven's Gift was a revelation in her debut prep, winning twice before finishing an unlucky second to the undefeated Chantrea in the Belmont Classic.
First-up this prep she was solid in an unsuitable race, hitting the line well from back in the field.
She looks to have improved from her break and the step up in trip to 1600m will be perfect for her
Lord Londsdale and Perfect Harmony will ensure a good tempo. From the good barrier, Jarrad Noske can position Heaven's Gift a few pairs back and one off the fence in the perfect trailing position.
From there, her class and ability should be too much for them.
Jarrad has built a great connection with this horse and it would be good to see him and trainer Holly Locke return to the winners' stall.
Traralgon Race 7 Tip #13 Hot Reward $6.00
The son of Reward for Effort broke his maiden last prep, before heading to Flemington where he finished 9 of 13 in a strong race.
He's returned this prep off a nice jump-out behind Music Bay, who has since run impressively in Listed grade.
He won fresh last prep and looks ready to fire at this set-up once again.